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340
PRACE POGLĄDOWE/REVIEWS
Endokrynologia Polska/Polish Journal of Endocrinology
Tom/Volume 62; Numer/Number 4/2011
ISSN 0423–104X
The role of vitamins in the prevention and treatment
of thyroid disorders
Rola witamin w zapobieganiu i leczeniu chorób tarczycy
Krzysztof Sworczak, Piotr Wiśniewski
Department of Endocrinology and Internal Diseases, University Clinical Center, Medical University of Gdańsk
Abstract
Although vitamin deficiencies are uncommon in Poland or other developed countries, many patients take vitamin supplements. Despite
the widespread availability of vitamins and the universal belief that vitamins offer health benefits, few publications have addressed their
role in the prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases. There is some evidence to suggest that the administration of vitamins with
anti-oxidant properties in patients with hyperthyroidism can decrease the severity of clinical symptoms, and that vitamin D supplementa-
tion can have a beneficial effect on the bone system for these patients. It has also been suggested that patients with autoimmune thyroid
diseases should be periodically screened for vitamin B12 deficiency. There has been no data to support vitamin supplementation in the
primary or secondary prevention of thyroid malignancies. (Pol J Endocrinol 2011; 62 (4): 340–344)
Key words: hyperthyroidism, thyroid neoplasms, autoimmune thyroid disorder, vitamins
Streszczenie
Chociaż niedobory witamin w Polsce i krajach rozwiniętych zdarzają się rzadko, bardzo duża grupa pacjentów spożywa suplementy
witaminowe. Pomimo powszechnego przekonania o korzystnym wpływie na stan zdrowia oraz szerokiej dostępności niewiele jest publi-
kacji określających ich rolę w zapobieganiu i leczeniu chorób tarczycy. Dane z piśmiennictwa sugerują, że u pacjentów z nadczynnością
tarczycy witaminy o działaniu antyoksydacyjnym mogą zmniejszać nasilenie objawów klinicznych, zaś stosowanie witaminy D może
korzystnie wpływać na stan kośćca w tej grupie chorych. Sugeruje się także, aby pacjentów z autoimmunologiczną chorobą tarczycy
okresowo badać w kierunku niedoboru witaminy B12. Nie ma danych uzasadniających suplementację witamin w prewencji pierwotnej
czy wtórnej nowotworów tarczycy. (Endokrynol Pol 2011; 62 (4): 340–344)
Słowa kluczowe: nadczynność tarczycy, nowotwory tarczycy, autoimmunologiczna choroba tarczycy, witaminy
Krzysztof Sworczak, Department of Endocrinology and Internal Diseases, University Clinical Center, Medical University of Gdańsk,
ul. Dębinki 7, 80–952 Gdańsk, Poland, tel: +48 (58) 349 28 40, fax: +48 (58) 349 28 41, e-mail: ksworczak@gumed.edu.pl
Introduction
Although primary vitamin deficiencies are infre-
quently diagnosed nowadays, sales figures for vita-
min supplements in Poland are high, and continue
to rise. According to “The healthcare and pharmacy
market in Poland 2009. Anticipated development
for the years 2009–2011”, Poland’s pharmacy market
volume in terms of retail prices exceeds 24 billion
zloty, 34% of which is generated by over-the-counter
medications [1]. It is universally accepted that the
use of vitamin supplements prevents many diseases
(e.g. infections or malignancies), increases vitality,
improves mood and enhances treatment of many
disorders. Despite this belief, and the widespread
availability of vitamins, their health impact and role
in the prevention and treatment of diseases remain
insufficiently understood.
Aim of the study
We aimed to review the current state of knowledge on
the possible role of vitamins in patients with thyroid
disorders. This undertaking has proven exceedingly
difficult, as few publications have addressed this issue
in the Polish or the international scientific literature,
and only a few of those that have done so meet current
standards of quality and reliability.
Material and methods
To identify suitable literature, an electronic search
was performed using PubMed. We used the search
string “(*vitamin*[Title] OR antioxidant*[Title]) AND
(*thyroid*[Title] OR goiter*[Title])”. PubMed identified
117 articles written in English or Polish published up to
2010. Titles and abstracts were screened, and 36 publica-
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Endokrynologia Polska/Polish Journal of Endocrinology 2011; 62 (4)
PRACE POGLĄDOWE
tions that were consistent with the study’s objectives
were selected for a full-text reading.
Vitamins with antioxidant properties
(A, C and E)
Cell homeostasis is maintained in part with the help
of the oxidoreductive system which limits the dam-
age caused by the so-called reactive oxygen species
— by-products of the normal metabolism of oxygen.
Its depletion leads to oxidative stress which results in
structural and functional damage. Oxidative stress is
responsible for ageing and plays a role in the develop-
ment of atheromatosis, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Both hyper- and hypothyroidism have been proven
to promote cellular oxidative stress by influencing the
intensity of oxygen reactions. Hyper- and hypothy-
roidism have both been shown to affect concentrations
of the vitamins involved in scavenging of free radicals
(usually decreasing their concentrations, although
study results differ) i.e. vitamins A, C and E. The con-
centrations of those vitamins return to normal after the
achievement of euthyreosis [2–8].
Is supplementation of these vitamins or other anti-
oxidants therefore indicated in patients with thyroid
disorders? That the answer is ‘yes’ has been suggested
by the results of animal studies where administration of
vitamin E in individuals with hyper- or hypothyroidism
reduced oxidative stress, decreased sensitivity to thyroid
hormones, and prevented peroxidation of circulating
LDL lipoproteins [9–11].
In a group of patients with hyperthyroidism due to
Graves’ disease, treated solely with a combination of
antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, sele-
nium, zinc, copper), clinical symptoms were reduced to
a similar extent as in patients treated with thyreostatic
medications. Moreover, in patients treated with antioxi-
dants, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism subsided more
rapidly, paralleled by decreased markers of oxidative
stress. Given that normalization of thyroid hormone
levels was not observed in this group, the authors sug-
gested that the clinical symptoms of hyperthyroidism
may reflect free radical toxicity and oxidative stress [12].
The beneficial effects of antioxidant supplementation
(with a preparation similar to that used by Guerra)
were also seen in a different study. Patients receiving
antioxidants concomitantly with thyreostatic medica-
tions achieved euthyreosis more rapidly compared to
patients treated with thyreostatics alone [13]. It seems
therefore that supplementation of vitamins C and E, and
possibly other antioxidants, may have beneficial effects
in patients with hyperthyroidism. This issue requires
further study and definitive resolution, especially in
view of other reports suggesting that supplementation
of vitamins A and E may be associated with increased
patient mortality [14].
Conversely, it appears that using antioxidants
in the prevention of thyroid cancer is not justified.
Although results of a retrospective analysis showed
decreased incidence of thyroid cancer in patients tak-
ing beta-carotene, vitamin E or vitamin C [15], recent
meta-analyses and systematic reviews of prospective
studies unequivocally deny anti-neoplastic effects of
antioxidant vitamins [16, 17].
Vitamin A
The metabolism of vitamin A seems fairly closely con-
nected to the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thy-
roid axis. Animal studies show that vitamin A deficiency
is associated with decreased thyroid iodine uptake,
limited synthesis and secretion of hormones, as well
as thyroid enlargement. The total serum triiodothyro-
nine and thyroxine concentrations increase (common
transport proteins e.g. transthyretin bind both thyroid
hormones and the retinol-binding protein, the synthe-
sis of which decreases in vitamin A deficiency). The
rate of hepatic conversion of thyroxine to triiodothy-
ronine is also decreased. Normally, the secretion of
thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is regulated by the
thyroid-hormone-activated receptor and the retinoid X
receptor. The latter, after binding the ligand (vitamin A)
binds with its promoter region of DNA encoding the
beta-subunit of TSH, limiting its expression. Vitamin
A deficiency is thus associated with increased TSH
secretion [18].
This issue has not been as well studied in hu-
mans. Studies conducted in areas of endemic iodine
deficiency have shown that children with goiter and
concomitant vitamin A deficiency were at less risk of
developing hypothyroidism. They also had higher
levels of TSH and thyroxine compared to children
without vitamin A deficiency. A strong correlation
was found between goiter size and severity of vitamin
A deficiency [19]. Monotherapy with vitamin A led to
a decrease in TSH concentrations and reduction in goiter
size, with unchanged serum concentrations of thyroid
hormones [20].
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is a co-enzyme participating in more
than 100 enzymatic reactions in the human body.
Clinically, vitamin B6 is essential for the production
of neurotransmitters, myelin sheaths, hemoglobin,
myoglobin, and the metabolism of homocysteine. Its
deficiency leads to dysfunction of the central nervous
system (manifesting as irritability, mood disturbance,
342
Vitamins and thyroid disorders Krzysztof Sworczak, Piotr Wiśniewski
PRACE POGLĄDOWE
impaired consciousness and seizures), peripheral ner-
vous system (polyneuropathy), as well as anemia and
hyperhomocysteinemia.
There are numerous publications in the medical
literature regarding the role of vitamin B6 in the patho-
genesis and treatment of neurologic, psychiatric and
hematologic diseases, but few on the subject of vitamin
B6 in the context of thyroid dysfunction.
The activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid
axis in the setting of vitamin B6 deficiency has been
studied in rats. Well-conducted experiments have
shown that vitamin B6 deficiency leads to hypothy-
roidism resulting from decreased TRH synthesis in the
hypothalamus. The reversal of vitamin B6 deficiency
has led to normalization of thyroid hormone levels
[21]. Over-supplementation of vitamin B6 in human and
animal studies has led to decreased concentrations of
the thyroid-stimulating hormone [22, 23].
No studies have looked at whether hyperthyroidism
or hypothyroidism may lead to vitamin B6 deficiency.
Similarly, there have been no studies on the usefulness
of vitamin B6 supplements in patients treated with
antithyroid agents. According to some physicians,
such treatment may prevent leucopoenia, a fairly com-
mon adverse effect of antithyroid agents. We have not
found a single publication addressing the efficacy of
this measure.
Conversely, there are reports of possible adverse ef-
fects of higher than physiologic doses of vitamin B6. The
daily requirement for vitamin B6 is 2 mg, a level more
than sufficiently provided by the typical diet. Doses not
exceeding 200 mg per day (equivalent to two vitamin
B6 tablets twice daily) are considered safe, whereas
many cases of sensory neuropathy associated with the
administration of larger doses have been reported [24].
Vitamin D
Discoveries made during the last few years have greatly
increased our understanding of the role of vitamin D.
Its influence is not limited to organs involved in calcium
homeostasis (such as the gut, bones, kidneys and par-
athyroid glands). Vitamin D receptors have been found
in more than 35 tissues and it has been demonstrated
to participate in immune processes, insulin secretion,
the regulation of the cardiovascular system and the
development of the central nervous system [25]. Data
on the metabolism of vitamin D in hyperthyroidism
is not consistent. Differences result from factors in-
cluding patient selection, dietary vitamin D intake,
sunlight exposure and seasonal variability of vitamin
D concentration. Both normal [26–28] and decreased
[29–31] concentrations of 25-OH-cholecalciferol have
been found in hyperthyroid patients before treatment.
A study from Japan including 200 euthyrotic patients
with Graves’ disease found vitamin D deficiency in 40%
of women and around 20% of men [32]
It has been demonstrated that hyperthyroidism
leads to reversible loss of bone mass and temporarily
increases the risk of femoral neck fracture [33]. This risk
returns to baseline after approximately a year, whereas
bone mineral density does not return to baseline until
one to four years after treatment of hyperthyroidism
is started [33].
In view of the above, the usefulness of vitamin
D3 supplementation in patients treated for hyperthy-
roidism should be considered, as its possible deficiency
could negatively influence bone healing.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 deficiency may result in a number of neu-
rologic, psychiatric, hematologic, gastrointestinal and
metabolic disturbances (Table I). The commonest etiol-
ogy of decreased absorption of vitamin B12 is atrophic
gastritis which also increases the risk of developing
gastric cancer, hyperplasia of enterochromaffin-like cells
and gastric carcinoid. There is compelling evidence for
the increased prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in the
population of patients with thyroid disease.
Centanni et al. examined 62 patients with autoim-
mune thyroid disease (AITD). Patients with increased
serum gastrin underwent endoscopic, pathologic and
immunologic testing. Atrophic gastritis was confirmed
in 22 cases (35%) [34]. Ness-Abramof et al. found de-
creased concentrations of vitamin B12 in 32 out of 115
(28%) patients with AITD. The authors recommended
routine measurements of vitamin B12 every 3-5 years
in these patients. In those with decreased vitamin B12
concentrations, further management should depend
on the level of gastrin, as the presence of hypergas-
trinemia is highly suggestive of concomitant atrophic
Table I. Clinical sequelae of vitamin B12 deficiency
Tabela I. Kliniczne następstwa niedoboru witaminy B12
Neurological symptoms Non-neurological symptoms
Peripheral neuropathy Glossitis
Subacute combined Gastrointestinal disturbances
degeneration of spinal cord Weight loss
Focal demyelination Anemia
of white matter in the brain
Optic nerve Impaired fertility
inflammation/atrophy
Psychiatric symptoms Hyperhomocysteinemia
(depression, cognitive deficit,
psychosis)
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Endokrynologia Polska/Polish Journal of Endocrinology 2011; 62 (4)
PRACE POGLĄDOWE
gastritis [35]. The suggested management algorithm is
summarized in Figure 1.
Orzechowska-Pawilojc et al. found that both the
hypothyroid [36] and hyperthyroid [37] state in women
is associated with lower concentration of vitamin B12
when compared to a healthy control group. However,
the authors did not report the higher prevalence of
vitamin B12 deficiency in the study groups [36, 37].
Summary
It seems that the only indisputable conclusion of the
current literature regarding the role of vitamins in pa-
tients with thyroid disorders is that this issue requires
further study. With that in mind, a physician caring
for patients with thyroid disorders should realize that
supplementation of antioxidant vitamins probably does
not prevent thyroid malignancies, but can decrease
symptoms in patients with hyperthyroidism. It is also
possible that supplementation of vitamin D in these
patients accelerates bone healing. There is no scientific
data justifying supplementation of vitamin B6 in these
patients. Atrophic gastritis often coexists with autoim-
mune thyroid disease and periodic evaluation of vita-
min B12 levels seems justified in this patient population.
When counselling patients about the use of vitamin
supplements, it should be remembered that several
studies have demonstrated adverse consequences of
their action.
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Rycina 1. Ocena występowania niedoboru witaminy B12 u pacjentów
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